"Former Florida Lawmaker Sentenced to Prison for COVID Loan Fraud and 'Don't Say Gay' Bill"

Former Florida lawmaker Joseph Harding, known for penning the state's controversial "Don't Say Gay" law, has been sentenced to four months in federal prison for wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements in connection with obtaining $150,000 in COVID-19 relief loans. Harding defrauded the Small Business Administration by submitting a loan application in the name of an inactive business he owned, and used the funds for personal expenses. The loans were repaid prior to litigation.